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Our guide covers an area stretching from the Virginia border south to the great Marine base of Camp Lejeune, outside Jacksonville, North Carolina. Between the two, you’ll find as much water as land, and often a ferry offers a more direct route than a road. We’ll island hop from north to south, with a chapter for each of the main destinations on the North Carolina Banks. Scattered throughout, we’ll take closer looks at some common denominators, such as Banker horses, lighthouses, and lifesaving stations that stretch all along the coast. Special chapters on the history of the region, suggested itineraries, and a “What’s Where on the Outer Banks” section help you design your perfect vacation.

All cities and towns mentioned in this guide are in North Carolina unless otherwise noted. Wherever possible, we’ve included a website address for more information. We’ve also included places you can get connected with free Wi-Fi access. We provide lots of specific information for most of the attractions on the Outer Banks, and the information was checked as close to publication as possible. However, the Banks change from month to month and season to season. Please use the phone numbers provided to check for current information before you set out on a long trip to a particular place.

The Outer Banks no longer close down in the winter, as was once the norm. Seasonal closures now are quite random. Most everyone takes a month or two off during the winter; they just don’t take the same month off. Even locals sometimes find themselves sitting in front of a favorite restaurant looking at a CLOSED sign. Telephone first to avoid disappointment.

LODGING While summer accommodation rates still are the highest of the year, various special events or holiday weeks can bump up prices when you might not expect it. Most places go full tilt from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but we’ll steer you to places where you won’t notice the crowds.

These rate categories are per room, per night, based on double occupancy, or per unit for cottages or other rentals. They do not include room taxes or any special service fees that may apply. In Dare County, taxes add an additional 5 percent; in Currituck County, 6 percent; in Hyde County (Ocracoke), 3 percent; in Carteret County, 5 percent; and in Onslow County (Swansboro), 3 percent.

 

$	up to $80
$$	$80 to $150
$$$	$150 to $200
$$$$	$200 and up

RESTAURANTS These categories represent the average cost of an entrée, not including higher-priced specials, that supersize steak or rack of lamb. They also do not include appetizers, desserts, beverages, taxes, or gratuities. Most restaurants on the Outer Banks will add a gratuity to bills for large groups. Be sure to check.

 

$	under $10
$$	$10 to $20
$$$	$20 to $25
$$$$	$25 and up

GREEN SPACE This special section in each chapter covers the beaches that make the Banks so special and other natural attractions, such as trails.

KEY TO SYMBOLS
	Open during off-season
	Special-value spots that give you more than you expect
	Child-friendly spots that have special children’s menus or activities that appeal to families
	Pet-friendly lodgings, restaurants, and shops
	Wheelchair-accessible establishments or attractions
	Rainy-day activity
	Venue that hosts weddings and civil unions
	Bar or nightspot
	LGBT friendly
	Wi-Fi access available
	Ecofriendly establishments with green policies, or those that feature local seafood and produce